Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nunavut?

Nunavut is the largest territory in Northern Canada. It includes the eastern part of the original Northwest Territories and most of the islands of the Arctic Archipelago Nunavut — which means “our land” — stretches about 1.9 million square kilometres and is nearly one-fifth the size of Canada. Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, is the largest community in Nunavut and is located approximately 1,000 kilometres from our site.

The majority of Nunavut’s population is Inuit. The territory has four common languages: Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, English, and French.

Where is Baffin Island?

Baffin Island is the largest island in Canada, the largest member of the Arctic Archipelago, and the fifth-largest island in the world. Baffinland Iron Mines operates on Baffin Island all year round.

What is the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement?

The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA) is the largest Aboriginal land claim settlement in Canadian history. When the Agreement was signed, legislation was passed which led to the creation of Nunavut on April 1, 1999.

What is the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.?

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) ensures that promises made under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA) are carried out. Inuit exchanged Aboriginal title to all their traditional land in the Nunavut Settlement Area for the rights and benefits set out in the NLCA. NTI coordinates and manages Inuit responsibilities set out in the NLCA and ensures that the federal and territorial governments fulfill their obligations. For more information, click here.

What is the Nunavut Planning Commission (NPC)?

The Nunavut Planning Commission (NPC) is responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of land use plans that direct the use of resources and development in the Nunavut Settlement Area (NSA). The NPC currently implements and monitors the North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan and the Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan. For more information, click here.

What is an Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement?

Article 26 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) be finalized before a major development project may commence. This agreement is necessary in order to ensure that any project that may have a detrimental impact on Inuit or that could reasonably provide benefits to Inuit residents of Nunavut, is taken into account. The IIBA must be negotiated and agreed upon between Inuit and the developer, and must be approved by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.

Where is the Qikiqtani Region located?

The Qikiqtani Region is an administrative region of Nunavut, Canada. Mary River is located in the North Baffin area of the Qikiqtani region.

What is the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA)?

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) represents the interests of Inuit in the Baffin Region, High Arctic, and Belcher Islands, in a fair and democratic way. QIA was formed as a non-profit land claim and community organization in 1996 and later registered as a society in 1997. The QIA is one of the three Inuit organizations affiliated with the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI). The QIA works closely with the federal and territorial government, as well as other partners, to ensure that Inuit are being adequately served by these governments.